As Texans, we take great pride in our ability to bounce back from any setback we face, our strong sense of camaraderie, and our dedication to helping one another when we need it. 

The battle against the rising prevalence of Dementia, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's disease is a pressing issue that impacts not only our current generation but future generations to come. 

These diseases have affected all of us, whether through a family member or a friend. But this November, we have the opportunity to put our right foot forward in supporting innovative research, developing new drugs, and ultimately finding a cure. 

Proposition 14 will establish the Dementia Prevention Research Institute of Texas. This new program will be the first of its kind in our state, and I urge all Texans to vote YES in support of Proposition 14 in this November 4th election.

This is nothing less than a call to action: Texas voters must unite on Election Day to pass Proposition 14, which will establish the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (DPRIT), the first research entity in Texas history to dedicate state funds to vital dementia research. For millions of families, these diseases are more than just illnesses; they are devastating realities that change the lives of families forever. This is a high-stakes battle against Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and related diseases. These diseases know no borders or demographics; they impact everyone.

The Alzheimer's Association reports that more than 400,000 Texans are presently living with Alzheimer’s disease, and that number is expected to grow exponentially in the coming decades. By 2050, nearly 1.5 million Texans could be affected by Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Families are fighting this disease across the entire State of Texas. The Rio Grande Valley and South Texas have the highest number of Alzheimer’s cases in the state. El Paso County has one of the highest diagnosis rates among citizens 65 and over. There are more than 350,000 people on the Texas Gulf Coast who suffer from Alzheimer’s as well.

Every year, over 90,000 Americans suffer from Parkinson's disease, another neurodegenerative illness. Despite certain parallels with Alzheimer's disease, such as the gradual deterioration of cognitive and motor abilities, Parkinson's disease poses distinct difficulties of its own. Along with their families, Texans who have been diagnosed with Parkinson's or Alzheimer's disease frequently have few options for treatment and little hope for the future.

However, there is still hope.

The Dementia Prevention Research Institute of Texas (DPRIT) will be at the forefront of developing novel approaches to the treatment and prevention of illnesses linked to dementia. With Proposition 14's help, we can build a research environment right here in Texas that draws top-tier scientists, physicians, and researchers to our state, which already boasts world-class medical facilities.

Proposition 14 offers Texas a once-in-a-lifetime chance to make investments in the health and welfare of its citizens. By passing this proposal, we will provide vital funding for research on Alzheimer's and Parkinson’s diseases. This money will be used directly to create the next generation of treatments, diagnostics, and preventative measures. However, funding will not be spent on overhead and administrative costs.

To put it plainly, the current situation is insufficient. However, the stage is set. The strategy is sound. Progress and even victory are within reach, but only with your support.

We must make investments in the future now if we wish to maintain the great state of Texas as a place to live, not just for today but also for future generations. As I have said before, this entails funding ground-breaking research, providing cutting-edge medical interventions, and equipping our medical professionals with the resources they need to combat these debilitating illnesses and ultimately find a cure. Let’s do what will be beneficial to all Texans now and in the future.

Vote YES on Proposition 14 this November 4th election. It's an investment not only in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Dementia but also in families, hope, and Texas's future.